My Bradford

Ishtiaq Ahmed 

Bradford: Bradford, in West Yorkshire, is the 6th most populous district in England with a population of around 550,000. A quarter of the district’s population is of the Muslim faith predominantly living in the city of Bradford. 

Majority of the city’s Muslims are of Pakistani heritage hence the city being affectionately labelled as the ‘little Pakistan’ or mockingly as ‘Bradistan’. 

The Pakistanis are now into their 4th generation, first started arriving in the city in the 50’s and the 60’s as economic migrants mainly from the district of Mirpur (AJK), Rawalpindi and Attock.

Bradford is appropriately described as the city of ‘Domes and Minarets’, displaying some of the most iconic Masajid structures in the region and the UK, dominating the local skyline. These represent the love of Muslims for their faith which defines and shapes their identity  and their association and affiliation to the city.Throughout the Islamic history starting with the very first Masjid in Medina built by Rasul Allah on his arrival to the city, wherever Muslims have travelled to, their first collective act has been to establish a Masjid. This was no different for Muslims in arriving in Bradford. 

Their first collective act was also to establish a Masjid in 1959, although a humble affair in a terraced house but an important act of intent. Today, Bradford is the home to over 160 Masajid and Madaris, some to the envy of many.

Masjid is an essential foundation on which the building of Islamic belief and practice is constructed. It is a symbol of the ‘Intent & Purpose’ of the Islamic way of life centred around the conceptual term ‘Islam’ (peace), which in its broadest sense embodies the ideal of personal and collective well being- peace with one’s self and one’s surroundings. 

Domes and Minarets represent the intent and the purpose of Muslim labour & endeavour for the city they regard as their home. These powerful symbols not only add to the beauty of the city’s skyline , but also signify the vibrancy of  love Muslims have for their faith.

Muslims  and the city’s future remains intrinsically linked with realising the true intent and purpose of Masajid. 

Let us celebrate these institutions not berate them.